Found in Translation

‘Found in Translation’ explores the daily challenges faced by members of the Auslan and Deaf community by highlighting the beauty of Auslan as a language and form of expression. Although Auslan is a unique, native language, most Australian citizens don’t understand it’s significance to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Amongst the common myths and misunderstandings associated with Auslan, is the idea that Auslan is a direct translation / replacement of English for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. When in actual fact, Auslan is it’s own language and many members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community don’t find written text and closed captions on news reports and movies helpful. The impact of this film aims to be as far reaching to campaign for Auslan to be included on daily news reports and live events and potentially recognition from the government of AUSLAN as an official Australian language.

Our vision is for AUSLAN to become accepted as a part of daily life for those outside the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and for it to be recognised as an official Australian language.

Short term outcomes – Educate the wider community about what AUSLAN is and why it’s necessary for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Increase visibility of AUSLAN and gain access to more public events and live performances. (Secret Sounds supported us by providing $15,000 in budget for AUSLAN interpreters at ‘Splendour in the Grass’ this year

Medium term outcomes – Gain further access to information and events for members of the deaf and AUSLAN community. Change on a corporate level, with the hope that Secret Sounds will increase its budget for AUSLAN access to future festivals and live events and its influence will encourage other major companies to follow suit. Create new employment opportunities for members of the AUSLAN community through the increase in demand for interpreters.

Long term outcomes – Improvement of the quality of life for the AUSLAN community through increased levels of accessibility, employment opportunities and government funding.

I have very strong partnerships with Mikey Webb and AUSLAN Stage Left (the organization that provides interpreters for live events in Australia). Secret Sounds is also a partner and have already provided the film with $15,000 budget for AUSLAN interpreters to attend ‘Splendour in The Grass’ along with access to film ‘The Wiggles’ at The Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane. These partnerships will continue to work together to find an audience for the film.

Our ‘call to action’ comes in the form of inspiration. We aim to inspire our audience to become informed about AUSLAN and stop seeing it as ‘a direct interpretation of English for people who can’t hear’ and to view it as a unique, nuanced form of expression.